It’s been a very interesting time around Destin lately. There has been a lot of activity taking
place, lots of issues brought forward before the Chamber and the city. Your Board has been engaged in most of these
issues, whether you’ve heard about them or not.
As always, your Board considers all angles on all
issues. Mostly, the decisions it makes,
the positions it takes, are geared around whether or not its position 1)
improves the quality of life/quality of place, 2) has a positive impact on the economy
and business climate, 3) what are the repercussions of our actions.
Recently, the Board voted to take a position opposing
aircraft taking off and landing in/around/near the harbor, East Pass, and Crab
Island (it’s a harbor for boats, not an airstrip!). The Board voted to support the widening of
Highway 98 from Silver Sands Outlets to Airport Road in Destin. The Board supported the extension of existing
development orders by two years, as long as these were date specific with an
end date. (Destin City Council actually passed an ordinance to extend by one
year rather than two, a position your Board fully supports). And we’ll continue to monitor the progress of
the city’s new comprehensive plan, specifically what happens with the tiering
system for development.
One of the more tense issues has been that of the opening of
a strip club in the industrial district of Destin. While we haven’t heard from a large number of
members from either side of this issue, your Board of Directors has discussed
the issue at numerous meetings. At its February meeting, the Board voted to take a position of opposition to the strip
club. The Board’s official position and
statement are: “We acknowledge that City Council is bound by law to make its decision, and we understand our position may not affect its decision in any
way. This Chamber has worked hard over
last three years to diversify our economy.
It is going to take redevelopment within the city. The industrial park is primed for
redevelopment, so it is an area we can use to diversify our economy. What
hi-tech research business is going to want to come in and locate its business
next to a strip club? It is going to
hurt our efforts to diversify our economy and create jobs. Therefore, we are opposed to a strip club in
Destin.”
So there you have it – your Board’s position on the strip
club. As always, we welcome your
comments or questions.
Until my next blog, I wish you continued success in your
business. I hope to see you soon at an
upcoming Chamber event!
Shane Moody, CCE, FCCP
President & CEO
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce
